Design invention: art and science collide

Last Thursday almost 250 designers, creators, educators, students and journalists gathered at the historic RIBA building in London to see a world class line-up of speakers explore how new technologies are shaping the design landscape. The British Institute of Interior Design’s annual conference Design Invention: Art and Science Collide, was a resounding success and included speakers such as ground-breaking installation artist Jason Bruges, BIID Member and globally renowned interior designer Ab Rogers, Foresight and Innovation Consultant Josef Hargrave and respected academic Penny Sparke of Kingston University.

The day was chaired by Aidan Walker and in addition to inspiring talks featured a panel discussion which tackled the challenging question of whether technology has become the new craft and included panellists Deyan Sudjic, Director of the Design Museum, creative curator Daniel Charny and BIID President and designer Sue Timney. Questions explored included whether technology is a useful tool, assisting craft development, or if it is hindering creativity and devaluing the skills associated with craft.

The conference also featured the presentation of the prestigious BIID Honorary Fellowships, which recognise those who have had a profound impact on the development and success of the interior design profession, and saw Sir James Dyson, Angela Brady, Deyan Sudjic alongside Thomas Heatherwick recognised for their contributions to the profession. The audience was then lucky enough to hear Thomas Heatherwick discuss the creative process behind two of his iconic designs – the new London Routemaster bus and the British pavilion at the World Expo.